Canada’s first-ever World Cup victory came at a heavy price. In the 6-0 rout of Qatar, 22-year-old Nathan Saliba delivered a breakout performance that may now see him tasked with steadying the midfield.

The triumph was overshadowed by a gruesome injury to Ismaël Koné, who suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg following a challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo.

Saliba entered as his replacement and, less than ten minutes later, found the net. He then held up Koné’s jersey in a touching tribute.

Forward Liam Millar told reporters before Sunday’s training session that Saliba is a top player who understands the game very well. He added that the midfielder is remarkably mature for his age.

Coach Jesse Marsch has yet to confirm who will replace Koné against the higher-ranked Switzerland on Wednesday.

One intriguing possibility is the return of Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, who has missed the tournament so far with a lingering hamstring injury. 

With Canada in position to top Group B and secure a Round of 32 match in Vancouver, Marsch may choose this moment to bring the veteran back.

Against Qatar, Saliba responded instantly to the opportunity. The Anderlecht midfielder curled a direct free kick from just outside the penalty area around the wall and in off the right post, scoring Canada’s fourth goal. 

It marked his third international goal, his first at a World Cup, and Canada’s first direct free-kick goal in the competition’s history.

Saliba’s gesture toward the injured Koné highlighted the close bond within the Canadian squad, forged through multiple injury setbacks that had already tested the team on its path to the tournament.

Eager to fill the void, Saliba proved himself a reliable option. He has started just seven of 16 appearances for Canada, in contrast to Koné’s 32 starts in 42 matches. 

Both players emerged from CF Montreal’s academy, where Koné starred in 2021 and 2022 before Saliba made his senior debut in 2023.